Lewis still 'open' to other schools

"What's there not to like about Alabama? I've been a big Alabama fan since I can remember. That program just wins. They have great facilities and all that," Lewis said. "But I want to make sure it's the right decision."

Lewis, the first player named to The Clarion-Ledgers' 2014 Dandy Dozen, has been committed to the Crimson Tide since April. But his recruitment is far from over.

The nation's top inside linebacker is still taking calls from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and more.

Lewis said Florida State has been recruiting him hardest recently.

"I wouldn't say Alabama has one school to be worried about over another," Lewis said. "I'm really just wanting to hear from every school right now. I understand how big of a decision this is and I just want to make sure I do it right."

The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder calls himself "85 percent" committed to Alabama at the moment.

Lewis said he'll watch every college football game he can this season, saying the only way he sees himself not ending up at Alabama is if another school shows it's heading in the right direction.

"If a school starts to show that it's too good to pass up, like, if they're really showing they can win championships down the road that will catch my attention," Lewis said. "So I'll be watching closely. I want to win. So if a school shows me that it's the best place to win, that'll make it tough."

But it's not a physical attribute that Clopton believes makes Lewis dandy.

"He's just a student of the game. Most people don't know how seriously he takes film" Clopton said. "A lot of kids with his gifts just rely on their skills to beat you. He doesn't. The game gets slower for him because he's so prepared. It looks like he's moving in fast-forward out there, and it's because he's just a student of the game and he watches more film than anyone I've coached. He'll make Brookhaven proud on the college level. I have no doubt."